MM FILLY SET TO RAIN

Darren Bell might not be the biggest fan of Danzig stallion, Monashee Mountain … but he’d be pretty close to it!

Darren is the trainer of exciting 2YO, Setfire To Therain, who is unbeaten following two outings at Eagle Farm and is now likely to be targeted at the rich Magic Millions 2YO Classic in January.

But it’s not the first time he’s been to the well with Monashee Mountain progeny: “I’ve won nearly 50 races with the Monashee Mountains and 17 of those have been at metropolitan tracks,” Darren points out.

Indeed, Sir Monashee won nearly half a million dollars in prizemoney from his seven wins and 17 placings, while the full brother – Monashee Dancer – took home almost $300,000 for the stable.

Based on Setfire To Therain’s two performances to date however, she’s a real chance to eclipse both money piles if she can maintain her winning form through to the $2 million grail at the Gold Coast on 11 January.

“We’re looking at a Listed event (the Calaway Gal at Doomben on 14 December) and might then press on to the Magic Millions,” Darren adds.

Bred by Kevin Dixon at Eliza Park International Queensland (formerly Racetree), Setfire To Therain is out of the Viscount mare, Rightful Lady, and was consigned by Eliza to the Magic Millions earlier this year, eventually catching Darren’s eye to the tune of $16,000.

It could well turn out to be the cheapest buy of his life!

(Speaking of ‘cheap’, Monashee Mountain surely ranks as of one of Australia’s best value sires with nearly 500 winners of $30m and a fee of just $3,300).

And what about the name … Setfire To Therain?

“One of the owners didn’t get his first choice but the second was Setfire To Therain – after the Adele song!”

Clearly the connections are hoping a line from the song rings true … ‘You would always win, always win’.

Hoofnote: Eliza Park International Queensland has certainly been in the news of late having produced and sold Buffering and Zoustar (Group One winners through Melbourne Cup week) and now Setfire To Therain. According to EPI Queensland manager, Mark Wooldridge, Rightful Lady has recently foaled a Love Conquers All half brother to Setfire To Therain and it’s a “cracking type”!

Photo by Dan Costello: http://www.racingwrap.com/